DUSHANBE, March 21 (Xinhua) -- The second "Navruz Youth World Festival" opened Saturday in Dushanbe, bringing together more than 200 young participants from 30 countries, the Committee for Youth Affairs and Sports under the government of Tajikistan said.
According to Khovar news agency, the festival will run through March 26 and take place in Dushanbe, Gissar, Tursunzade, and other cities and districts in the Khatlon region. The event will also host a youth forum of Shanghai Cooperation Organization member states.
The festival features cultural events, national exhibitions, handicraft fairs, a gastronomy festival, educational panels and conferences. Organizers said the festival aims to unite youth around the world, promote cultural dialogue and exchange, and highlight the heritage of Navruz as a symbol of renewal and hope.
Navruz, one of the oldest holidays celebrated across Central Asia, the Middle East and the Caucasus, marks the arrival of spring and the start of a new solar year. Traditional celebrations include festive meals, public performances, sports competitions, theatrical shows, and charitable activities.
